16.11.16

As per reports in the Hindi news channel News 18, agents of Pakistani artistes like Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, ShafaqShafqatt Ali, Mawra Hocane and Imran Abbas Naqvi are involved in black money transactions in India. Reportedly, a sting operation was conducted by the channel.

The news channel's sting report comes days after PM Modi announced the demonetization of Rs 500-1000 notes to curb black money in India. According to a statement issued by the channel, undercover reporters caught on camera the "agents of the Pakistani artistes" demanding majority of their fee in black. The fee was for the appearance in wedding ceremonies. While a few demanded part of the fee in cash, others wanted it transferred to their bank accounts in Australia or Dubai, the statement alleged.

As per the sting, Kapoor and Sons actor Fawad's manager demanded Rs 50 lakh for a two-hour appearance. He demanded that the payment should be made in black and white. The black money component was to be 25 percent of the deal amount and the rest was to be transferred to the actor's UAE-based bank account, the statement alleged.

Similarly, Sanam Teri Kasam actress Mawra's Pak-based manager demanded Rs 50 lakh for a two-hour appearance and asked for Rs 25 lakh in cash to be paid to her contact in Mumbai. The rest was to be transferred to her Australian bank account, the channel statement said.

News18 India said that since all the Pakistani artistes come to India on a work permit obtained through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for professional engagement, these activities violate statutory laws.

However, the details of the sting operation could not be independently verified.